Foreclosure timeline by state

How long does foreclosure take where you live?

Foreclosure runs on two clocks: a federal one that gives you about 120 days before it can even start, and your state's own process after that. Pick your state and how far behind you are to see where you stand and what time you have. This is a general estimate, not legal advice.

Why it varies so much

Judicial vs non-judicial — and the federal floor

The single biggest factor is whether your state requires the lender to go through court. Judicial states (the lender must sue) often take a year or more; non-judicial states can move in a few months. On top of that, the federal 120-day rule (Regulation X) means the clock generally can't start until you're more than 120 days behind. Your cure, reinstatement, and redemption rights — and whether a lender can pursue you for a shortfall afterward — all differ by state, which is why each state page spells them out with sources.